#Sancerre wine full#

Grafting in a resistant strain of vine is the only way to protect future grapes from an infection. Producers in Sancerre opted to graft in these resistant strains. Since then, wine producers have worked to create the exceptional Sancerre Sauvignon Blancs we know and love today!īTW: American strains of Sauvignon Blanc are actually Phylloxera resistant. Since the climate and terroir weren’t particularly favorable for Burgundy vines, to begin with, producers decided to replant with a more favorable grape instead. There is no cure or pesticide that stops them.Įntire plantations were destroyed and had to be replanted.

And slowly starves the plant of water and nutrients. This causes damage that leaves the vine open to infection. Phylloxera is an insect that sucks sap from the roots and leaves of grapevines. Unfortunately, in the 1800s those vines were destroyed by an insect invasion, Phylloxera. The region originally grew Burgundy wines like Pinot Noir and Gamay. Religious rebels during the Protest reformation, royalist rebels during the French Revolution, and even the French Resistance during the German occupation in WWII…all fled to and set up command in Sancerre!īut since those days, Sancerre has experienced a change of its own. It is located smack-dab in the center of France and has a long history of French patriotism.Ī number of resistance groups have taken up residence over the centuries. If you traveled to Sancerre, you’d feel you were in an iconic French village. These are typically medium-bodied and fairly dry. However, a few producers do oak their wines, adding in flavors like brioche, shortbread, and toast.īTW: The Sancerre region of Loire also produces several reds and rosés from Pinot Noir. A good Sancerre is complex enough without adding oak. Sancerre is usually aged in stainless steel, so the true flavors of the terroir shine through. For more information on French regions, their AOC designations, and geographical protections… check out this article! The label only originates from the specific Sancerre region in France. The varied and impressive flavors surpass many of the shallower varieties of Sauvignon Blanc that focus on vegetable characteristics.īTW: No other region that uses Sauvignon Blanc grapes can claim the title of Sancerre on their wine.

Flint soils (“Silex”) produce a gun smoke flavor and mineral qualityĪll grown from the same region, the various permutations of these flavor combinations create complex varieties of wine.

Clay soils (“Terres Blance”) produce a fruity flavor and a full-bodied wine.

Chalk/Limestone soils (“Caillottes”) produce an excellently balanced floral flavor.

What makes this region truly special is the three types of soil, or terroir, local to the region. In terms of geography, Loire can’t be beaten.

Perfect for these little green grapes to flourish! Really all they have to worry about is rain. Which leads to longer periods of light, but less physical heat.

The Loire is located at a higher altitude than New Zealand and therefore has longer growing season days. Sauvignon Blanc grapes require lots of light but low heat. But climate and geography, two of the simplest concepts, are the ones that have the greatest impact on Sancerre. The only notable exception is Pinot Noir vines. Vineyards plant nearly entirely Sauvignon Blanc vines.

#Sancerre wine full#

(Though they are grown to great success all over the world.) The Loire is full of rolling limestone hills and cooler climates with hot and (hopefully) dry summers. The Loire Valley of France is the prime spot for growing Sauvignon Blanc vines. The short answer: wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes in a specific area of France’s Loire Valley.Ĭlaimed by many to be “the ultimate Sauvignon Blanc,” Sancerre hails from a tiny area in the Eastern r egion of Loire Valley, France. 2017 Fournier Père et Fils Sauvignon Blanc.Philippe Raimbault Pouilly-Fumé Les Lumeaux.

The Best Sancerre Alternatives Under $20.2017 Philippe Raimbault Les Fossiles Sancerre.2015 Domaine Bernard Fleuriet et Fils Tradition Sancerre.2017 Pascal Jolivet Le Chêne Marchand Sancerre.What to look for in a good Sancerre Wine?.The Difference Between Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc.Location of Sancerre in the Loire Valley.Why is Sancerre only produced in France?.